🤍 VINTAGE 1940s-1960s HANDMADE NAVAJO STERLING SILVER HOOP EARRINGS — DANGLING PILLOW CONCHOS 🤍
An enchanting pair of vintage circa 1940s-1960s handmade Navajo sterling silver earrings from the Nancy Elby collection, featuring beautifully twisted silver hoops surrounding delicate, three-dimensional dangling pillow conchos.
The freely suspended conchos move with a mesmerizing fluidity, catching and reflecting light across their deeply fluted surfaces. Their graceful movement, sculptural depth and beautifully aged silver create an exceptionally elegant and timeless appearance.
Measuring approximately 1.57 inches in total drop, with twisted-wire hoops approximately 1.2 inches in diameter, these earrings weigh a substantial 10.31 grams as a pair.
A distinctive example of vintage Navajo silver jewelry, equally suited to everyday elegance or a special NANCY ELBY COLLECTION PROVENANCE
I acquired these earrings from an individual in Phoenix, Arizona, who obtained them from the late Nancy Elby.
Elby was a respected participant in the Southwestern and American Indian art and antiques community, exhibiting under “The Good Stuff” at the High Noon Western Americana show and appearing among the exhibitors at Santa Fe’s prestigious Whitehawk Antique Indian & Ethnographic Art Show.
Nancy Elby → Phoenix individual → current owner
This provenance represents the earrings’ reported collection history and does not establish a specific maker or manufacturing BEAUTIFUL HANDMADE NAVAJO SILVERWORK
Each earring features a substantial twisted-wire silver hoop with a freely suspended, three-dimensional pillow-shaped concho at its center.
The conchos were fashioned from two individually stamped and formed silver halves, soldered together to create a hollow, gently rounded ornament—a construction technique closely associated with traditional Navajo bench-made silver beads.
Both faces feature beautifully radiating fluted decoration, allowing the conchos to remain attractive as they turn and sway within their hoops.
The subtle differences in their dimensions, forming and solderwork are wonderful characteristics of traditional hand fabrication.
The earrings are unsigned, and no specific artist or maker attribution is being claimed. Their circa 1940s-1960s dating is an estimate based on their style and MEASUREMENTS & WEIGHT
Earring #1
* Total drop (including post assembly): approx. 39.95 mm / 1.573”
* Twisted-wire hoop diameter (excluding post assembly): approx. 30.65 mm / 1.207”
* Dangling pillow concho diameter: approx. 15.05 mm / 0.593”
Earring #2
* Total drop (including post assembly): approx. 39.75 mm / 1.565”
* Twisted-wire hoop diameter (excluding post assembly): approx. 30.35 mm / 1.195”
* Dangling pillow concho diameter: approx. 15.30 mm / 0.602”
Combined weight: 10.31 grams / 0.364 ounces
All measurements are approximate. The subtle dimensional differences reflect the earrings’ individually handmade ORIGINAL POSTS / NEW HYPOALLERGENIC BACKS
Both earrings retain their original pierced posts.
The original plastic backs had become brittle and were deteriorating with age. These were replaced with brand-new hypoallergenic friction backs for comfortable, secure wear.
The earrings themselves remain STERLING SILVER — JSP SCRATCH-STONE TESTED
Although the earrings are unmarked, I personally performed a non-invasive JSP scratch-stone silver acid test, which produced a strong reaction consistent with sterling silver.
A small amount of metal was transferred from an inconspicuous area of the earrings onto a JSP testing stone. Silver-testing acid was then applied exclusively to the transferred metal streak on the testing stone.
No acid touched the earrings at any time.
Upon contact with the testing solution, the transferred metal produced an immediate blood-red reaction. The reaction remained blood red throughout the entire five-minute observation period before the test was discarded.
Based upon this immediate and persistent JSP scratch-stone test reaction, I am identifying the earrings as sterling silver.
The earrings are unmarked and have not been professionally XRF or laboratory tested. Their sterling identification is based upon the JSP scratch-stone testing described CONDITION
Very good vintage pre-owned condition with beautiful, naturally developed patina and oxidation.
The twisted-wire hoops, hollow pillow conchos, connecting rings and original posts retain their attractive vintage appearance. Fine surface scratches, darker recessed areas, subtle handmade irregularities and visible solderwork are consistent with age, traditional construction and decades of wear.
The earrings have not been aggressively polished, preserving their character and naturally aged silver surfaces.
Both dangling pillow conchos retain their distinctive three-dimensional shape and beautifully defined radial fluting.
The original pierced posts remain intact. Only the deteriorated vintage plastic backs have been replaced with brand-new hypoallergenic friction backs.
Please examine all photographs carefully, particularly the extreme close-ups, which form an important part of the condition PHOTOGRAPHY
Photographed outdoors in natural daylight to document the silverwork, patina, construction and condition.
Extreme macro photography greatly magnifies fine scratches, tool marks, solderwork and other tiny details beyond their appearance to the unaided eye.
The brightness, contrast and appearance of polished silver may vary with lighting, viewing angle and individual screen settings.
The colors have not been digitally altered. Additional photographs or video are gladly available upon request.
Any coin pictured is for scale only and is not SHIPPING
* Ships same or next business day
* FREE USPS Ground Advantage within the United States
* Fully insured with tracking
* Carefully and securely packaged
* Ships in a sturdy cardboard box — never a bubble INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING
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* USPS Priority Mail International
* Flat rate: $48.95
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Buyer is responsible for any customs duties, VAT, brokerage fees, tariffs, taxes or other import charges imposed by their OFFERS & RETURNS
All serious offers considered.
All sales are final unless the item has been grossly Navajo silverwork with a captivating sense of movement. 🤍🪶
These beautifully handmade vintage earrings combine sculptural twisted-wire hoops, gracefully dangling pillow conchos and the wonderful collecting history of the Nancy Elby collection.
An exceptional pair for anyone who appreciates distinctive vintage jewelry, traditional Navajo craftsmanship and the enduring beauty of Southwestern design.
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